Tennessee will be back in Neyland Stadium on Saturday night for another big-time showdown. Josh Heupel’s old school, the Oklahoma Sooners, are coming to Knoxville. Both teams are looking to stay alive for a spot in the College Football Playoff. This one will very likely serve as a CFP elimination game.
The Volunteers beat the Sooners in Norman last season, giving Heupel a highly satisfying win. However, both sides are much different with several new faces. Tennessee is lighting up the scoreboard once
again, but can’t stop anyone it seems. Oklahoma started hot, but an injury to John Mateer has slowed things down. Mateer doesn’t look like the same guy that started the year following surgery on his thumb.
At least in theory, Mateer should continue to get strong with each week. He’ll have his chances to make some big plays against a very leaky Tennessee secondary, too.
According to FanDuel Sportsbook, Tennessee has opened as a 3.5 point favorite over Oklahoma. The total has been set at 56.5 points. The Volunteers are 4-4 against the spread so far this season.
“Getting ready to play a really good Oklahoma team,” Heupel said on Monday. “Defensively, one of the top teams in the country in every statistical category. Their front is big, strong, physical, relentless. Tackles for loss, sacks. Not giving up a bunch of big plays. Huge test. Offensively, dynamic quarterback that’s a playmaker. Does that through the air, does that with his legs. He’s got good skill around him, so a huge test.”
Tennessee is dealing with yet another key injury in the secondary as Colton Hood went down late against Kentucky, so there’s another wrinkle that the staff will have to deal with. We’ll keep an eye on that when the Wednesday injury report comes out.
Tennessee also announced ‘Dark Mode’ uniforms for Saturday night’s game, ensuring that Neyland Stadium will be absolutely rocking. Oklahoma is walking into a really tough environment here with their season on the line.
Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC.
